The Complete Guide to Calming Exam StressSample

Have you ever gone to a big concert with a group of friends? You walk through the doors arm in arm with each other, but somewhere between the thumping bass and the blinding neon lights, you lose each other. What looked like the back of your best friend’s head turns out to be the face of a stranger. With so much going on around you, you start to lose your bearings.

This is how we can feel when we are in a high-stress time of life like exam season, isn’t it? Our minds get crowded by conflicting emotions, and we start to lose track of what we’re actually feeling. We can feel confused and overrun by all the emotions taking space in our heads and want to shut down. Scroll through TikTok. Watch another episode on Netflix.

Sound familiar?

Pressure. Anxiety. Fear. Nervousness. Shame. Guilt. Frustration. These are all such normal and common emotions that accompany times of high stress. But when our emotions get the best of us, there are simple and practical things we can do to accept them and manage them. Here are some key reminders to find true and unwavering peace.

1. Be still and know. (Psalm 46:10)

More than just a pretty quote on a phone case, this precious verse can be a lifeline to us when we are knee-deep in our emotions. God’s reminder to us is that whatever happens, it’s in His hands. We can do our best and not feel frantic about grades or where we'll get accepted to post-secondary because we know that God is the one who is leading our lives. In fact, when we slow down and become still, that's when we see His gentle reminder to us that He is God, and we are not.

2. Jesus sits with you in the muck of your feelings. (Psalm 46:1-3)

What makes challenging feelings even more difficult is when you feel like you’re alone. The reality, though, is that you’re not alone. The Bible says that God is always present in times of need. He is not afraid or ashamed of the feelings you carry. He understands fear. He understands anger. He understands worry. He felt it all in His time on earth. Remind yourself of His peaceful presence in the room.

3. God wants you to shovel every emotion into His hands. He’s got you. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Once you’ve taken a moment to be still and remember God’s presence with you, it’s important to name each one of your emotions. God created you with emotions, so even when we experience the ones that feel overwhelming or unpleasant, they can tell us a lot about what's going on in our hearts. When we acknowledge our emotions without judgment and hand them over to God, they can lead us to a deeper trust in Him.

Take a moment to close your eyes and name each emotion you feel to God. Ask Him to hold each for You. If it helps, you can write them down. He promises to take each of those burdensome emotions and replace them with His ease and lightness.

God, take my ________.

God, take my ________.

God, take my ________.